As the 2021-22 NHL season nears, teams have begun to prepare. After a challenging season which had to work around COVID-19, we anticipate how this next season may play out. While the Senators fell short of the playoffs last year, there was a lot to build on. Injuries in net kept the club from finding much needed consistency but the production we saw from many of the young pieces gives the Sens fan base a lot to look forward to. Watch out for these key Senators players in the upcoming season as they are primed for another big year in their development.
By Tyler McIsaac
Josh Norris
After playing his first full season at the NHL level, this 2017 first rounder showed us exactly why he was included in a package for the former Senators franchise defenceman, Erik Karlsson. Top line Centreman, Josh Norris put together quite the season last year. In 56 games, he collected 17 goals and 35 points. His chemistry with Tkachuk and Batherson was on full display last season. If Norris can build on the consistency he’s shown us, we can expect some jaw dropping numbers from that top line.
Drake Batherson
So far in his young hockey career, Drake Batherson has demonstrated that he can succeed at every level. Batherson amassed 17 goals and 34 points last season. During that stretch, he proved that he’s able to find the back of the net on a consistent basis. After what we saw from him last season, it’s reasonable to think that there may be a 30 goal season creeping up around the corner.
Thomas Chabot
This young defenceman seems to always be getting better. After having a 39 point campaign during the 2019-20 season, it only took Chabot 49 contests to piece together 31 points in the following season. He is the cornerstone of the Senators blue line going forward and one can only imagine his full potential as this young Ottawa core continues to build chemistry. With already one 50 point season under his belt (2018-19), Chabot has proven to be one of the NHL’s top defenceman. Perhaps a Norris trophy could be in the cards in the foreseeable future?
Tim Stützle
What a year it was for the Senators rookie. Taken third overall in the 2020 draft, Stützle was able to accumulate 29 points in 53 games in a hard pressed North Division. Along with Norris, Stützle was one of the top scoring rookies of the year. He showed flashes of brilliance in his debut season and we can only expect bigger things to come from the 19 year old. The draft pick used for Stützle was another piece San Jose had to give up in the Erik Karlsson trade. Although hindsight is 20/20, San Jose may end up regretting this one once we see Jimmy’s full potential.
Brady Tkachuk
Perhaps the biggest question mark on this list. As training camp approaches, a deal is yet to be struck between the Senators front office and the RFA. Sens fans can only hope this blows over as Tkachuk shows all the makings of a superstar. Last season, he collected 17 goals and 36 points in 56 games. Aside from his respectable point production, he brings a level of physicality and shot creation that only a short list of NHL players are capable of. With 248 hits and 220 shots last season, it is evident that Tkachuk is one of the most impactful players one the ice. Should Tkachuk and the Senators come to an agreement soon, we can expect to see even more milestones from the 21 year old.
Honourable Mentions: Connor Brown, Nick Paul, Matt Murray.
